top five relaxation techniques

[constance]

1. Taking a long hot bath. I don't have a shower in my bathroom, just an old pink cast-iron bathtub, but even if I had a shower, I probably wouldn't use it, because I dearly love soaking. I lean back and zone out and the next thing I know it's half an hour later and the water's getting cold. It's not sleeping, and it's not conscious meditation; it's just this perfect free-float. It's a good way to start the day, I find, but I have to be careful not to zone out for too long.



2. Brushing the dog. He needs it, because he is a hairy monster who sheds bushels of fur by the week. He loves it. I love it. Win/win/win.



3. Driving. This one's pretty specific: it can't be on interstate, or in city traffic. But give me a long country road and lots of green and I could drive forever, whether the radio worked or not. (Working radio = good, though.)



4. Reading. I seriously can't go to sleep unless I've read myself somnolent. (The best choice for relaxing, for me, is to read something I've read before.)



5. Painting my toenails/giving myself a pedicure. Because I'm secretly sort of shallow.

:::

Now it's your turn. What are your favorite relaxation techniques?

Comments

[amelia-eve.livejournal.com]

The bath thing is something I have been thinking about a lot recently. Leit loves bathing of all types - showers, baths, hot tubs, what have you. He likes to take a long shower when he comes home from work as a way to unwind. In fact, it's his biggest stress releaser. And I get it. When I remember to, taking a shower after work is a good way for me to unwind. I can feel my shoulders relax under the hot water.

But for me, showering is mostly a morning thing. It's all about waking up, getting refreshed and alert. Leit gave me a bunch of Aveda goodies for Valentine's day, including some shower gel whose scent is "Calming." And I can't use it in the morning! I need all my mint and eucalyptus and rosemary things that pep me up for the day. Funny how the same thing can work two opposing ways.

[tofty.livejournal.com]

Funny how the same thing can work two opposing ways.

Isn't it, though! For me, it's down to the simple difference of bath vs. shower -- I find showers invigorating. Baths, though, they just make my bones melt.

Lucky you and your valentines gifts! I love bath stuff.